Minutes of Kingswells Community Council Meeting

Alan Stott, Ian Cox (Secretary), John Gerrie, Meg Sands, Stan McEwan, Alex Carnie,

Councillor Len Ironside, David Meiklejohn (Treasurer), Councillor Wendy Stuart, Elaine Sinclair ACC, Tom Straiton,

Representatives
/ Observers:

Reg was spending less time in Kingswells. Resources were being increased to deal with city centre, courts, royal duties; which left less time for community policing.

Reg identified that people were contacting him directly rather than going through the help desk on 0845 600 5700.

This is not advised as it means some things can take longer to resolve if for instance Reg is on off-duty for two or three days. Incidents reported to the helpdesk are assigned to various officers and will not be affected by off-duty.

Reg to identify the issues on the web, and in the newsletter

Questions to the Chair from Public Attendees

Doug Ritchie of ACC Roads Department was asked to talk about the proposed traffic calming at Fairley Road.

Historically there has been community concern for some time. Reports of high speeds on Fairley Road have been filed by residents and police. The proposal to introduce traffic calming was approved in council in March. The process is now at the public consultation stage.

Speed checks confirmed that more than 85% of traffic travelling north travels at 35mph or more, and 85% travels south at 39mph or more.

The proposal is to introduce a mandatory 20mph limit and enforce this using speed cushions that will ensure that 85% of vehicles will adhere to the limits.

An alternative system of speed tables would ensure that 100% of vehicles would adhere to the limits. This system provides a smooth ramp and a table top that vehicles travel up and over. The system is more user friendly than the cushions. The system is more expensive than the cushions and has potential issues with road drainage.

The drainage issues exist where the table runs from kerb to kerb and blocks the road. KCC pointed out that there is also a similar system that has drainage channel at the kerb. Doug pointed out that pedestrians did not like this as they tend to cross on the table. The channel presents a trip hazard. KCC pointed out that on this road there are only two locations where pedestrians would want to cross.

• systems where one side of the road is blocked, but this is only effective when there is an equal flow of traffic in both directions. This is not the case for Fairley Road.
• systems that give the perception of increased speed only work for a short time.
• systems including speed indicators work for a short time and then become a challenge to speeding traffic. The version that only indicates that the speed limit has been broken are equally ineffective.
• system of mandatory speed limit of 20mph without enforcement does not work. Police resources will not allow prosecution to be an effective deterrent.

When asked if the ‘bumps’ would be removed when the AWPR was introduced. The answer was no – the bumps would be permanent.

There was some discussion regarding the root cause of the rat running. This was seen to be:

1. The flow of traffic across the Kingswells Roundabout was impeded by the lights. KCC has been involved in discussions with ACC Roads Department to improve the flow by opening the ‘central’ lane from the entrance to the Park & Ride car park. This is currently waiting on funding.
2. The traffic lights at the P&R are not phased to allow Kingswells residents in or out of Kingswells. When the lights do change then residents join standing traffic queued all the way from the roundabout to the traffic lights.
3. The result is that some residents use Fairley Road to access the roundabout. this applies in both directions as it is equally difficult to enter Kingswells.

When asked what would happen if Kingswells did not go with traffic calming until we tried to deal with the root causes Doug advised that the chance of traffic calming would pass to the next community awaiting funding. It was not possible to divert the funding to deal with the root causes.

KCC and other residents have until 1^st August to advise ACC of their views.

• there is an issue with cars parking in Fairley Road near the Old Lang Stracht junction. Vehicles have to pull out onto the wrong side of the road and can’t see traffic around the bend. Buses also have problems with parked cars. Yellow lines were suggested as a solution. This has the backing of some Fairley Road residents. ACC to check out the issues.
• Trees have been planted on the sight verge of the bypass road. These trees will pose safety issues in the future and should be removed. Ian to provide a plan indicating the location.
• ACC to look at the phasing of the lights at the P&R. The lights appear to be on fixed timing. Frequency should be driven by demand, and P&R buses should be able to trigger the lights.

Matters Arising (not covered below)

Alan to seek letter of approval from the police.

John to get prices for signs and dykes.

The dykes will be built by the guys at the Countryside Project and some volunteer labourers. The CP will charge for building the dykes.

Peter advised that he had met with John Tomlinson and First Bus to discuss the height restriction barriers at the P&R. First have agreed to pay for part of the costs.  The easiest way forward would be if First paid the whole bill and back charged for the ACC share.

There was some discussion on the uses to which the P&R would be put. KCC expressed concern that they were not consulted prior to Stonehaven Motor Club request.

Peter advised that the grass cutting budget has been fixed for all areas and there will be a reduction in service compared to last year.

Nothing to report on accounts.

Noticeboard has been ordered to replace the one that leaks.

KCC to meet on Saturday 19^th July to assess the proposal to provide benches in the village centre.

Next meeting will be on 11^th August, 2008 in coffee shop of Kingswells